title: Transitory cognitive impairment with brief generalized spike-wave paroxysm: a clinical counterexample to the three-second rule.
abstract: The topic of transitory impairment of consciousness with spike wave bursts has been of interest to neurologists for years. Based on some early experiments, a 3-second rule was formulated and has found its way into the conventional wisdom of neurology. It states that, in order to result in impairment of consciousness, a spike-wave burst must be of at least 3 seconds' duration. We discuss a case which poses a clinical counterexample to that rule.
authors.affiliation: Electroneurodiagnostic Laboratory, University of South Alabama, Mobile, Alabama 36617, USA.
authors.forename: J E
authors.initials: JE
authors.lastname: Mendizabal
authors.forename: W J
authors.initials: WJ
authors.lastname: Nowack
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D003071:Cognition; D004569:Electroencephalography; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008607:Intellectual Disability / Q000150:complications; D012640:Seizures / Q000150:complications / Q000503:physiopathology* / Q000523:psychology